| More and more, everyday individuals like you and | | | | can use either aluminum C frame material or |
| me want to use alternative ways to make | | | | wood. Aluminum is more costly, but it will last a |
| renewable energy. When you consider the | | | | good deal longer and weather the elements |
| growing costs of fossil fuels, going green is quickly | | | | better. |
| becoming a realistic option. The Do-It-Yourself | | | | Your final piece of the puzzle is the cover. Some |
| energy movement has become one of the | | | | people use a sheet of glass. I would not |
| fastest and best ways to save money and help | | | | recommend using glass, simply because it's so |
| the environment. Making solar panels is easier than | | | | fragile. Clear, UV-protected plexiglass is the best |
| you might think, cost effective, and fun. | | | | option. Make sure, however, that it is |
| There are numerous ways to make a solar panel, | | | | UV-protected or it will turn yellow and hinder your |
| none of which is very hard. Depending on the | | | | panel's effectiveness. |
| type of supplies you use, your solar panel should | | | | As you begin your project, plan out each phase |
| cost about 200 dollars. | | | | and put your plan into writing. You can easily |
| You have a choice of many types of supplies | | | | make solar panels with the right manual. The right |
| when you make homemade solar panels. Your | | | | manual will help steer you in the best direction to |
| first major cost will be to buy the solar cells. A | | | | make good decisions. Start small and work big. Be |
| recent search on eBay showed tabbed solar cells | | | | realistic in your goals. Your first panel may not be |
| for about $1.80 each and untabbed solar cells for | | | | prettiest girl at the party, but you'll get better. |
| about $1.10 each. | | | | If you plan your solar project in detail you will |
| Plywood might be your cheapest material to | | | | save time and money. Balance the budget of |
| purchase, and you may even have some lying | | | | your project between longevity and cost. You |
| around the garage already. However, rather than | | | | may have some old beat up pieces of scrap |
| plywood, I would recommend using a sheet of | | | | wood lying around the garage, but if you have |
| white or black plexiglass. It's lighter, nicer looking, | | | | replace your panels in a year because of rot, it |
| and will last longer. You can probably find the size | | | | may not be worth the effort. Consider trading |
| you need at your local hardware store or it can | | | | the lower cost of untabbed solar cells for longer |
| be purchased online. | | | | lasting plexiglass. Finally, keep in mind that you will |
| Once you have the back of your solar frame, | | | | be working with electricity so always be safe. |
| you'll want to put a frame around the edge. You | | | | |